In the Kakuma refugee camp in northern Kenya, refugees are participating in the global digital economy by performing tasks such as data labeling and translation for artificial intelligence systems. Because refugees in Kenya face significant legal barriers to formal employment, many turn to digital platforms to earn income. These workers often operate under strict nondisclosure agreements, leaving them with little information about the end users or the ultimate purpose of the content they process.

Reports indicate that the pay for this labor is often minimal, driven by a competitive environment where workers are easily replaceable. Because the labor market is global and the workforce is desperate for income, workers frequently accept whatever compensation is offered, regardless of how low it may be. This dynamic has created a system where international tech companies can outsource complex digital tasks to a vulnerable population that lacks the legal standing to negotiate for better wages or working conditions. The work is often performed in makeshift environments, such as portable buildings, using whatever technology is available to them. While this digital work provides a rare source of income for those barred from the traditional Kenyan labor market, it also exposes them to exploitation, as they have little recourse if they are underpaid or if the work is not clearly defined.